Acton, MA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Homebuyers looking for 55+ communities in Acton are charmed by this Eastern Massachusetts town. Acton offers a tranquil setting surrounded by forested areas. What’s more, the area held an important place in the American Revolution, making it a great destination for both literary fans and history buffs alike. Active adults who enjoy visiting a big city can head to Boston, just under an hour away.

Climate & Geography

The climate in Acton is classified as humid continental. Residents can expect cold winters, with temperatures dropping down to the mid 10s, and hot summers, with highs reaching the low 80s. The city receives much more rainfall and snowfall than average.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Acton is a town that is surrounded by several natural areas, making it ideal for active adults who seek a peaceful natural setting in retirement. Acton Arboretum offers a quiet space for retirees to appreciate their botanical surroundings. Nathaniel Allen Recreational Area Park features several walking trails and a beach that offers swimming during the warmer months. Literary fans will be delighted to learn that Walden Pond State Reservation, the focus of Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden, is just outside of Acton.

History buffs will want to visit nearby Minute Man National Historical Park. The park features vast open space where visitors can enjoy history reenactments commemorating the American Revolution. Visitors can also visit the historic Hartwell Tavern, and take a stroll along Battle Run.
Acton offers several places for retirees to shop and dine, and the area features plenty of community events and festivals throughout the year.

Downtown Boston is under an hour away, making it convenient to experience larger scale entertainment options when desired.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Acton is above the national average. This is mainly due to the higher cost of housing in Acton.

Sales tax in Acton is on the lower end of average, at 6.25 percent, and Social Security benefits are not taxed. Income tax in Massachusetts is 5.1 percent. Property taxes in the state are higher than the national average.

Health Care

55+ communities in Acton are part of the Boston metro area. The area scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 25 communities to live in the country. Massachusetts scores in the top 17 states to live in the United States.

While there are no hospitals in Acton, nearby Concord is home to Emerson Hospital, which is rated as high performing in heart failure by U.S. News. Massachusetts General Hospital, located in Boston, is ranked the No. 1 hospital in the state, and the No. 2 hospital in the country. The hospital is nationally ranked in sixteen specialties, and high performing in nine procedures and conditions.